The alarm has sounded on HIV cases in Central Visayas »Manila Newsletter News

By Minerva Newman

CEBU CITY – Central Visayas has the third highest number of cases of human immunodeficiency infection (HIV) among all regions in the country with 4,251 and 295 cases of HIV infection. Acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS) from January 1984 to December 2017, according to data from the Ministry of Health – Central Visayas.

3,973 cases of HIV and 253 cases of AIDS were recorded in Cebu said Dr. Ella Abellanosa Tac-an of DOH-7 and 80 -88 percent of the people tested are from Cebu City.

Dr. Tac-an said that in Cebu, the transmission of HIV is caused by the intravenous sharing of needles between drug users and unprotected sex with a partner infected with HIV / AIDS.

"There is still no cure c HIV prevention is always the best and for cases detected early, it is advisable to really see your doctor, take medication to minimize the regression of the disease, "added Dr. Tac-an.

According to Wilfredo Salgado, HIV focal of the Cebu Provincial Health Office (OCHC) those who engage in high-risk sexual behavior are better undergoing appropriate medical tests.

Salgado says that most cases of HIV / AIDS are in urban centers such as Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-lapu. and Talisay

"Statistics come from those who have been tested, and we know that there are still many cases of HIV / AIDS not accounted for in the province because stigma is still there. are ashamed or are still afraid to know that they have contracted the disease, "added Salgado.

Salgado calls on men and women who are at risk of sexual behavior to undergo free HIV / AIDS testing. hospitals run by the provincial government of Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Bantayan District Hospital, Ricardo Maningo Memorial Hospital and Provincial Health Office

Due to the alarming rate of cases of HIV in Cebu, various stakeholders called local government units. in the province to organize the Local AIDS Council (LAC) through a series of forums in February, March and April this year in Cebu City, Ccarcar City and Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, respectively.

"To make it clear that we can do something at the local level, we do not have to wait for the national government to solve the problem of HIV / AIDS," said Greegy Senados, Foundation Media Officer. Bill and Melinda Gates, who helps the province lead an information and awareness campaign on HIV / AIDS.

Senados said the LAC organization, supported by the foundation, was launched in Albay, Ifugao, Benguet, Palawan and Cebu as priority areas due to the high incidence of HIV / AIDS cases in these areas.

CLAs seek to coordinate, integrate and provide financial assistance for all HIV / AIDS plans, programs and activities. AIDS, STD prevention and control and other health-related cases at the local level.